First of all a big thank you to the San Jose Bike Party Birds. They did an amazing job last night covering corners and the entrances to the regroups. Next month thank them personally. They are a big part of what makes this ride tick. Also thanks to the Raven Bike crew. They have been leaving our ride starts and regroups cleaner than before the ride. That is an amazing feat.

And thanks to all of you riders for not only showing up during these cold winter months but for riding smart and riding responsibly. With so many cars driving through the Willow Glen neighborhood, residents love Bike Party because of our unique holiday spirit. We had a great group last night. What is evident is what Bike Party does to help riders make new friends and stay connected each month.

Now, we want to hear from you. What were your reflections on this ride? What did you like? What could be better? Just leave us a comment. Thank you, and Happy Holidays.

15 Comments.

This ride was awesome. The rides I’ve been on this passed year have been some of the best ones I’ve ever attended. The addition of the Raven bikes and some of the other self-sustaining elements make this truly a community-oriented event with benefits that extend beyond the bike community. Thanks to all BP volunteers for all the hard work!!!

Really enjoyed the route, love to see your bikes lit up and people being respectful riders and enjoying themselves. I heard little kids along the route saying “Mommy! look at that one look at that one!”

However, I was bummed to see a rider struck by a truck in what looked like a intentional hit and run. I was wondering if anyone knows how he is doing (or even who he is) and if anyone actually got the license plate # of the truck. Also if we can figure that out maybe we can get some money together for the repairs to the victims bicycle? (I’d donate) I couldn’t tell, but it was possible that the struck rider was in the lane of oncoming traffic, There’s a reason we stay to the right people!

Apart from that people were awesome, and I really appreciate all the hard work of the Birds and Ravens and organizers, Thank You!!

The accident happened fast and quick. I was ahead of it by about ten feet, looked back to see what looked like two people hit but turns out only one juvenile got clipped. On the return to the accident scene he was Okay just seemed shook up, who wouldn’t be… he was awake not bleeding and seemed just scared but okay, thank God.The took him to Good Samaritan which is a good sign, if it was serious the would have gone to Valley Med trauma.

The Truck came up at an amazing speed for Foxworthy, estimate of about 45-50 mph. The driver took off and we started a pursuit, I dont recommend to anyone because of the danger of another incident. A posse of riders came up on the truck and with quick thinking popped the tires on the truck to stop him from getting way. T
his didn’t stop the driver as he took off again running on Rims passed Leigh and Camden heading south. Partial Plate on the Silver Dodge Ram Truck is 8822c1. I think the cops got him but not sure. Driver side window of the Truck was smashed out due to the collision. Very lucky that kid wasn’t seriously hurt. Two feet to the left and he would be dead.

While its important to keep to the right; the driver seemed drunk and speeding on a quiet residential street so from my perspective he is at fault. We have to expect and anticipate worst case scenarios and be prepared for them. Everyone be safe out there.

As a Willow Glen resident with no affiliation with San Jose Bike Party, I am as much infuriated as I am frightened by this organization’s activities. Driving down Dry Creek around 10:30pm, I was stopped by a sea of bikes clogging the entire road. I sat there behind two other cars, unable to move, for 15 minutes, as bikes weaved by on both sides, several of which bounced off and scratched my car. I do my best to be aware of and respectful of bikers and “share the road”. What I experienced last night, however, was a mob mentality from the Bike Party that they had the right to bike on both sides of the road and completely bring traffic to a halt.

I’m saddened to hear that there was an accident last night, but I’m not surprised. I can’t imagine what your experiences were as riders, but what I witnessed last night was anything BUT safe biking practices. Most people were riding without helmets, many were on cell phones, the group took over the ENTIRE road, and the rules of the road were completely disregarded. Not only is this dangerous for the bikers and for drivers, but I truly fear for anyone whose life depends on an emergency vehicle being able to get through the neighborhood.

I respectfully encourage all of you to reconsider how you may most effectively (and accurately) convey the stated message of your group. If nothing else, please consider practicing what you preach and ensure that all bikers follow the laws. Otherwise these avoidable “accidents” will inevitably continue to mar your future events.

From what I saw of other drivers last night (who were likely just trying to get home too), I’m highly doubtful that all Willow Glen residents “love” Bike Party.

Dear G, I am sorry that your car got scratched during last Friday’s Bike Party. To say that this an aberrant occurrence is; perhaps, little consolation to you ’cause from your perspective it’s infinitely infuriating. As a fellow motorist, I can understand and empathize with your emotional response in the heat of the moment.
However, I will contend that San Jose Bike Party, does much more good for the Bay Area Community than any harm it has wrought. The Bike Party Community, as a representative sample of the greater Bay Area
population, is truly reflective of the diversity of our area. And Bike Party does have it’s small minority of idiots.
Please note: that local community reports of the route precede all Bike Party events, and motorists are warned of minor delays, and bottlenecks should be expected along the route because of the nature of event.
As to your statement that: “…I’m highly doubtful that all Willow Glen residents “love” Bike Party.” Please be advise that San Jose Bike Party attacts a very devoted, and active participants from your community of Willow Glen — that confirms my prior statement that SJBP is a truly representative sample of the greater population.

In retrospect, Dry Creek was too narrow for the amount of riders we had. I think a smaller croud was anticipated. I witnesses a really close near miss as a car came around a blind turn.

Unfortunately it is impossible to enforce the rules of the road. Just before the near miss, I had heard an organizer shouting over his PA system to stay to the right, only to have some idiots mock him and ride more to the left just to “be cool”..

I enjoyed the ride last night. My ugly sweater was truly awful looking. The ride through Christmas in the park was somewhat congested. There were just too many cars and people there to allow for safe riding. Anxious riders were putting them self and others at risk. My opinion is, in the future, the route should be structured to avoid those large venues that attract throngs of cars.
With regard to the young man who was hit by the truck: I witnessed the accident as I was behind the cyclist (he was riding with a friend) when the truck hit him. Prior to the accident the cyclist was riding in the on-coming traffic lane and was dodging in and out when a on-coming vehicle would approach. I yelled at him to “stay right” but he didn’t listen. As soon as the on-coming vehicle would pass then he would drift back out into the on-coming lane. The truck driver was definitely speeding and was driving erratically, way too fast for the conditions. Because of the excessive speed of the truck the cyclist didn’t get back to the right lane in time. There was a horrible crunch when the young man was hit/clipped by the truck. It was a sickening sound, anybody within a hundred yards heard it. He and his bike went down hard in front of me while the truck driver ran. A couple cyclists turned and gave chase after the truck. Hopefully they catch him. I pray that cyclist is okay.

S.J.B.P should enforce the use of lights on the bikes and protective head gear.

Yes there are these idiots out there not following proper bicycling rules of the road. I’m not surprised that this kid was kid. I don’t know him or her, However if your being a jackass while riding your bike, You probably have learned your lesson. I hope!

I love doing bike party every month, I don’t want to see that go away.

Please turn down your music around the residential areas. Lets be respectful of in out communities.

Gino,
After a number of traffic (automobile) related fatalities and casualties in December. SJBP pushed the city to highlight safety to pedestrians and cyclists. During December pedestrians and cyclists were killed even though they were following all laws and rules.

Due to this we pushed for a helmet and light program. We have done this before and we pushed for it this month. We made a huge push in publicizing the helmet and light giveaway. We had volunteers show up to fit riders for helmets and install lights on bikes. Riders are also made aware of “How we Ride”, a list of safety prescriptions.

Yes some riders, just as some motorists don’t follow the “rules of the road”. SJPB works with police departments to encourage enforcement of the vehicle code.

I notice that you “love doing bike party every month”. Have you ever thought of giving back to your community and helping to get these “idiots” to follow proper bicycling rules. We would have loved to have you at the last volunteer meeting. We could use more concerned people like you. Thanks.

Tian, I am moved to commend you for an awesome photo essay that does so much to spread good cheer, and artfully conveys a beautiful holiday message in a SJ Bike Party sort of way.
And in that sense, I think you work is… UNIQUE!!!
If SJBP were to send out a holiday greeting card to the universe, it would be your presentation!:-)